My Sweet Charlie

I remember this movie from my childhood going back 30 years ago and out of all the movies I have seen since then, this is one I have wished to see again for a very long time. Unfortunately they don't them like this anymore. A movie that has a lasting impression on a 9 year old and strong enough to last through the decades. Congratulations to IMDb for giving people like me a forum and avenue to look up these great old movies and rekindle some of the magic of destroyers and making it so easy to track these movie titles down from 30 years ago by simply typing in an actors name.

THREE CHEERS TO IMDb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The chemistry between Patty Duke and Al Freeman Jr. is merely fascinating. Freeman was primarily a stage actor who got all too few chances on film. He was given his best role here, and makes quite an unforgettable impact. Duke is totally believable in her naivete and her ability, to learn, albeit slowly, even in the face of bleak desperation. Ford Rainey is unforgettable in a small role.

Though Patty Duke is probably best known for her Oscar-winning work as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker", this extraordinary made-for-TV movie contains what is easily her finest screen performance. She is never less than believable as the frightened, immature, uneducated Southern girl who, pregnant with her lover's child and abandoned by both him and her family, takes refuge in a deserted seaside house. There, her solitary wait for the birth of her child is broken by the unexpected arrival of Al Freeman Jr., a black militant on the run for killing a white man. Their relationship, at first defined by mutual contempt and hostility, slowly evolves into a touching love story. The ending is unforgettable. Duke and Freeman share a wonderful chemistry and both were deservedly Emmy-nominated (Duke won; Freeman, regrettably, did not). Patty Duke was as talented as any leading actess of her generation and her work here confirms that.

Very touching. This makes a nice point about prejudice without being preachy. I'd like to show this one to my daughter -- and to kids growing up around racial prejudice... I saw this film over 30 years ago and I still remember the story, acting, etc., as being wonderful. (Watch the trailer!)

I first saw this movie 30 years ago, and it still remains as fresh and timely as when it was made. I have always been a Patty Duke fan, and even if you aren't you should check this out for the acting of both lead actors. A masterpiece!